Device for repairing automobile body members and the like



sept. zo, 1955 E M, NKE 2,718,253

DEVICE FOR REPAIRING AUTOMOBILE BODY MEMBERS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 22,195o 2 sheets-sheet 1 l-/v VENTO/ E 'i Arrow/WFMl Sept. 20, 1955 E. M.ZINKE 2,718,253

DEVICE FOR REPAIRING AUTOMOBILE BODY MEMBERS AND THE LIKE Filed Dec. 22,195o 2 sheets-sheen 2 /NVENTOR Arron/MEV" fRw//v M Ax 2mm/Ey UnitedStates Patent O DEVICE FOR REPAIRING AUTOMOBILE BODY MEMBERS AND THELIKE l Erwin Max Zinke, Oakland, Calif. l Application December 22, 1950,Serial No. 202,278

16 Claims. (Cl. 153-32) invention relates to an improved device forrepairautomobile body members and the like. This application is acontinuation-in-part of my earlier tiled application, Serial Number124,712, filed October 31, 1949, which issued on December 2, 1950, asPatent Number 2,620,01 l.

The invention solves several problems. One such problem is that ofobtaining a tool that has the maximum strength per weight. A tool thatis too heavy tires the mechanic, but tools made from such light metalsas aluminum have lacked the requisite strength. This problern has beensolved by a novel combination of parts made from light weight metals (e.g. aluminum) with parts made from metals of great strength (e. g.steel). In this novel combination almost all the stress is taken up by arelatively small amount of steel, while the great bulk of thetool ismade from aluminum and is protected from stress by the steel.

A further problem that has been solved by this invention is theprovision of a novel form of jack attachment that can be used forspreading objects apart or for pushing them toward each other. Thisattachment can be changed in a few seconds from one type of action tothe other.

These and other features will appear from the following detaileddescription of a preferred embodiment of the' invention, reference beinghad to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, thatthe drawings and descriptions are illustrative and are not intended tonarrowly limit the scope of the invention, which is defined in theappended claims.

In the drawings:

`Fig. 1 is a view in perspective of a jack embodying the principles ofthe present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in elevation and in section of the jack ofFig. 1, with the handle rod removed from its socket.

Fig. 3 isa view in section taken along the line 3--3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a view in perspective showing the jack of Figs. 1;-3 with anovel form of attachment, embodying the principles of this invention,the attachment being positioned to act as a spreader.

Fig. 5 is a view in perspective showing the jack and the attachment ofFig. 4 in a different position, where it acts to Compress two objectstogether.

The jack The jack of this invention is shown in Figs. l to 3. Itincludes a hollow body member 11 preferably made from aluminum or otherlight weight metal. The body member 11 has a central depending member 12and a pair of upwardly extending yoke arms 13 and 14. The space betweenthe yoke arms 13 and 14 is open and extendsdown into the hollow interiorof the body 11. There is also an opening 15 through the lower side ofthe body 1 1,l adjacent the member 12.

A11, axial opening 16 extends through the front wall 17 2,718,253Patented Sept.4 20, V1955 ice of the body member 11, and another axialopening 18 extends through the rear wall 19. These axial openings 16 and18 are aligned, and together with the hollow interior of the body member11 they form a straight passage through the jack body 11. The movableportion of the jack is a round steel rod 20 that extends through thispassage, clearance being provided so that it does not touch the body 11.The rod 20 preferably has one enlarged threaded end 21, theA other end22 preferably being rounded and not enlarged or threaded.

Adjacent the mid-section of the body member 11 there are a pair ofvertical ribs 25. These serve to divide the body interior into twoportions. In one body portion, a spring 26 pushes out from the ribs 25against the forward one. 27 of a pair of friction washers 27, 28. Thewashers 27, 28 have depending flanges 29, 30 that extend down throughthe lower opening 15, where the ange 3 0 engages the portion 31 of thejack body 11. The washers 27, 2.3 also have upper anges 32, 33 thatextend upwardly out of the body 11.

The spring 26 and the body portion 31 act to keep the friction washers27, 28 normally on an inclination with respect to the rod 20 and inengagement with it, so that they serve as a brake, to retain the rod 20in a pre-set position and prevent it from slipping to the right in Fig.2, when under tension, but do not prevent the rod fromI moving totheleft. When the jack 10 is to be released and the rod 20 is to be movedfreely to the right, the upwardly extending flanges 32, 33 are manuallypushed to the left (in Fig. 2). During normal jacking the frictionwashers 27, 28 act like a ratchet to prevent slipping and hold the jack10 while the handle 49 is swung back for another stroke.

In the other body portion into which the ribs divide the body 11, aspring 35 is compressed between the forward wall 17 and the forward oneof threefriction washers 36, 37, and 38, the washer 38. resting againstthe ribs 25. Normally these washersy 36, 37, 38 do. not engage the rod20, but when tilted forward they do engage it, and sincey they outnumberthe washers 27, 28, they grip the rod with more total force of friction.

The three friction washers 36, 37, and 38 are used for jacking the rod2t) to the left. For this purpose a lever 40 is pivotally secured on apintle 41 that passes between the yoke arms 13 and 14. The lever 40 mayhave a pawl 42 that engages the upper portion of the washer 3.8 andpushes it and the other two washers 36, 37 forward. The friction washers36, 37 and 38 clamp against the rod 20 and (outnumbering the frictionwashers 2.7, 28). move the rod 20- forward a length corresponding to thestroke of the lever pawl 42. There is preferably a second pawl 43 on thelever 40 that helps to straighten the washers 36, 3.7, and 38 on thereturn stroke of the lever 40, while the washers 27, 28 retain the rod20 in its advanced position.

The lever 40 preferably has a plurality of sockets 44, v

45, 46, 47, and 48, all of which are adapted to receive a jack handle49, depending on the most convenient handle position for the particularjacking operation.

The entire aluminum body 11, which contains the working parts of thejack 10, is jacketed in a rectangular closed band 50. The band ispreferably a strap of steel or other suitable metal, with a frontopening 51 aligned axially with the front body opening 16 and a rearopening 52 aligned axially with the rear body opening 18.

AA steel bushing S3 may be positioned in the front opening 51,preferably being welded or otherwise secured to the band 50. The bushing53 has anoutwardly-extending radial flange 54 that is preferablypositioned inside the band, 50, abutting the band 50 and the front wall17' ofthe body 11. The bushing 53 also has `a tubular portion 55 ofreduced diameter (both exteriorly and interiorly) that extends back fromthe flange 54 and inside the front opening 16 of the body 11.

A substantially identical steel bushing 56 may be welded to the oppositeend of the band 50, around the opening 52. Preferably, its flange 57rests on the outside face of the band 50. A tubular portion 58 ofreduced diameter extendsv into the rear opening 1S of the body 11.

The portions 55 and 5S of the bushing 53, 56 support the body 11 insidethe band 50. Preferably the front end 17 of the body 11 abuts the rearface of the fiange 54, while the rear end 19 of the body abuts the band50. There may be clearance between the sides of the body 11 and the band50.

The assembly of the jack may be noticed at this point. The band 50 maybe assembled from a short at piece 50a that forms the front end (throughwhich the opening 51 passes) and a longer bar 50h that is bent into aU-shape (the opening 52 passing through the bowl of the U). The bushing53 is Welded in place on the piece 50a, with its flange 54' behind thepiece 50a. The bushing 56 is welded in place on the piece 50h, with itsflange 57 on the outside of the piece 50h. The two bushings 53, 56 areinserted in the openings 16, 18 aligned, and then the members 50a and50b are welded together so that the band 50 becomes integral.

Both bushings 53 and 56 are preferably threaded interiorly at 59 toreceive various fittings. Normally these fittings will be tubular so asto encircle the rod 20. For example, Fig. l shows a tubular fitting 60threaded into the rear bushing 56, for a pushing operation. The fitting60 could be threaded into the front bushing 53 for a pulling operation,as will be explained in the operation section below.

The bushings 53, 56 are positioned with their flanges 54, 57 on oppositesides of the band 50, because their normal operating thrusts are indifferent directions and it is desired to resolve all thrust forcesagainst the band 50. This resolution of forces is an important featureof the invention. The band 50, with its bushings 53, 56, takes all thestrain that converges on the jack 10, and thereby makes it possible tohave a lightweight body 11 because it is freed from all severe stresses.

The ange 54 is located inside the band 50, because the normal thrustforces will urge the fiange 54 outward from the body 11 and thereforeagainst the band 50. For the same general reason, the iiange 57 isoutside the band 50. In this instance the force is inward, toward thebody 11, and this positioning directs all the thrust against the band50.

A jack body made entirely of steel or from cast iron would be too heavyfor mechanics to use over long periods of time, but the aluminum body 11holds down the total weight of the jack body 10 to less than 5 pounds,including the lever 40, the band S0 and its bushings 53, 56. Moreover, ajack body made entirely of aluminum would be too weak, even if madesubstantially larger than the body 11, but the steel band 50 and itsbushings 53, 56 keey the small light body 11 from flying apart and takecare of all the pressures converging on the body.

Operation of the jack bushing 56 rests on the band 50, which resolvesall the thrust, so that none of it acts on the aluminum body 11.

When the jack is to be used for pulling inwardly, the fitting 60 may bethreaded into the front bushing 53. The jacking action will move the rodto the left and pull its outer end toward the outer end of the fitting60. W

4 Again the thrust is entirely on the steel members: in this case on therod 20 from one end and outwardly on the bushing S3. The flange 54 ofthe bushing 53 resolves this force against the steel band 50, so thatnone of it acts on the aluminum body 11.

Dual purpose attachment Figs. 4 and 5 show an attachment that may beused both for spreading and compressing.

The attachment comprises two pieces 200 and 210. The member 200comprises a bent steel bar or strap having a central section 201 and twoend arms 202, 203 at opposite ends, both arms being turned at 90 to thecentral section 201 but in opposite directions. The end arm 202, whichis approximately the length of the short ends of the strap 50, is turnedinwardly at 90, and the end arm 203 is turned outwardly 90. An opening204 through the inner arm 202 enables it to fit over the bushing S6. Theouter arm 203 is provided with a serrated portion 205 that can grip whenthe attachment is being used for compression, The outerv dimension ofthe member 200 (from the outer surface of the inner arm 202 to the outersurface of the outer arm 203) is approximately the outer dimension ofthe jack 10 (from the outer face of bushing 53 to the outer face ofbushing 56).

A second steel bar 210 is used in combination with the member 200. Thebar 210 is straight and has an opening 211 adapted to fit over the rod20. When forced'- at a slight angle, the bar 210 clamps on the rod 20and remains fixed in position. A serrated gripping portion 212 isprovided at its outboard edge.

For a spreading operation the member 200 is putl on the jack 10 with theopening 204 around the rear bushing 56 and with the central portion 201resting against the band 50. The inner arm 202 rests on the flange 57,parallel to and the same length as theside of the band that is beneaththe bushing 56. The central portion 201 extends about the same length asthe band 50, and the outer member 203 projects outwardly at the frontend of the body 11. The member 210 is inserted over the rod 20 at thefront end of theA jack. The members 203 and 210 are inserted between theobjects to be spread apart. The friction of the member 210 against therod 20 maintains it in position on the rod 20, while the force againstthe member 200 merely acts to force the central portion 200 firmlyagainst the strap 50. Jacking urges the member 210 apart from the arm203, so as to spread the objects apart.

For compression, the member 200 remains in the same position, and theposition of the member 210 is reversed. The inward arm 202 of the member200 WillA still have its opening 204 around the rear bushing 53 and itscentral portion 201 will still extend toward the forward end of the jack10, overlying the strap 50. The member 210 is placed on the portion ofthe rod 20 that projects out from the rear end of the jack 10. Jackingcauses the rod 20 to move the member 210 toward the arm 203. Again theforce acts on the member 210l to clamp it frictionally to the rod 20,while the force on the arm 203 merely compresses the central portion 203tight against the strap 50.

It will be noted that in each case, the gripping sur' face 205 of thearm 203 engages the work and that the force is in the same direction,pushing the central portion 201 against the strap 50. The bar 210 isreversed in the operations, its gripping surface 212 facing the samedirection as the surface 205 during compression and in the oppositedirection during spreading. If the rod 20 is of the type that isthreaded onone end, it Will be necessary to pull out the rod 20 andreverse it when changing between spreading and compressing, so that thebar 210 can slip over the Unthreaded end 22. This can beV done bypushing forward on the Vwasher flange 33 and then pulling the rod 20`out again pressing the washers 27, 2S forward' for reinsertion.

I claim: l. A jack, including in. combination: a body made fromlightweight metal and having an axial passage extending therethrough; aclosed band of strongv metal surrounding from the load engaging meansvto said band and said rod;

and means in said body for moving said rod forward axially and forholding it in its advanced position between advancing strokes saidmoving and' holding means including means for transmitting the pressureon said rod to saidy body, said body being enabled to withstand thepressure by virtue of said band.

2, The jack of claim 1 in which said band is keyed to. said body bymeans of annular members of said bandx extending into the openingsthrough said body at each outer end of said axial passage, part of saidmovingmeansk bearing upon one of said members.

3; The jack of claim l. in which there are annular bushings of strongmetal secured to said' band in line with said axial openings, saidbushings having an annular portion that fits in the opening through saidbody at each` axial extremity and keys said band to said body, saidbushings also being able to receive rigid fittings that may extendaxially outwardly from said band and may serve as one saidvload-engaging means so that the force bearing on said fittings istransmitted to said band rather thanvto said body.

4. The jack of claim 3 in which said bushings each have a radiallyoutwardly extending flange of large. diameter than said axial openingsthrough said band, the diameter of the remainder of said bushings beingslightly smaller than said axialopenings; the bushing at the end said'rod moves toward being secured to said band' with the flange inside saidband and the rest of said bushing projecting outwardly through saidaxial opening; the bushing at the opposite end also projecting outwardlywith i'ts flange. resting on andy secured to the outside of said band'.

5. Afjack, including in combination: an aluminum body having an axialpassage extending therethrough; a closed steel bandsurrounding said bodyand keyed thereto adjacent its axial extremities, said band having axialopen'- ings therethrough; a steel rod of strong metal extending throughsaid axial' openings and passage; a load-engaging means connected tosaid rod and transmitting its loadengaging pressure thereto; a secondload-engaging means connected to said band and transmitting itsload-engaging pressure thereto; and means in said body for moving saidrod forward axially and for holding it in its advanced position betweenadvancing strokes, said means bearing against said body, said steel bandsupporting said body against breakage or injury by the pressures exertedby said moving means.

6. The jack of claim 5 in which said band is keyed to said body by meansof annular members on said strap that extend into the openings throughsaid body at each outer end of said axial passage.

7. The jack of claim 5 in which there are steel annular bushings securedto said band in line with said axial openings, said bushings having anannular portion that fits in the openings through said body at eachaxial extremity and keys said band to said body, said bushings alsobeing threaded to receive rigid threaded fittings that may extendaxially outwardly therefrom andv serve as said second load-engagingmeans.

8. In a jack of the type having a body with a protuberance on one endaround an axial opening therethrough and a rod movable axially throughsaid opening 6 andheld in positionby said body/the combinationtherewith` an attachmentv for spreading? objects. apart or com pressingthem. together, said, attachments' comprising; two strong metal bars;one,Y saidbar being aflat. substantially straight piece with an openingtherethrough adapted to receive said jack rod,v for frictionalengagementV therewith upon theapplication of force to the outer. end ofsairll bar;,the secondsaid bar comprising a central portibn with an armperpendicular thereto at each. end, one said; aun having, an openingltherethrough adapted to` fit. over said rod and against saidprotuberance, the other armextend.- ing in the4 oppositeV direction`from the first said armatthe other endll of. said central portion andvextending substantially the same radial distance from the axis. as` thefirst sai'dlhar.

9.. The combination with a jack in. which there. isa body withv an axialpassage therethrough vand: a` jack rod movable therealong, and in whichsaid' body has, an an:` nular protuberance around theV axial` opening atthe: end where said jack rodmovesl inwardly toward said. body, ofi ametal. member having a central, portion susbtantiall-y the length ofsaid body with an arm perpendicular thereto at each end, sai'd armsextending in opposite-directions, one of said arms having an openingtherethrough. adapted' to fit said protuberance; and a matching,lsubstantially hat bar having an opening to receive said' jack rod forfric,- tional' engagement therewith when force is applied to theouter'end of said hat bar, said bar extending out parallel to theoutwardly extending arm of said lmetal, member; and for substantiallythe same radial. distance said fi'at bar being applied to said rod onthe opposite end' of said body from said protuberance. when used' withsaid outwardly extending. member for spreading objects apart and' saidfiat bar being located on the samey side as said' protuber. ancev whenit and said outwardly extending member are usedfor, pushing objectsaxially toward each other.

l0. A jack, including in combination: a bodyv made from lightweightmetal and. having an axial passage extending therethrough; a closed bandof strong metal spur,- rounding said body and keyed thereto adjacent itsaxial extremities, said handhaving axial openings. therethrough in linewith said axial passage; annular bushings of strongy metal secured tosaid band in line with said axial openings, said bushings having' anannular portion that fits iny the opening through said body at eachaxial extremity and" keys said band to said. body, said bushings alsobeing ablel to receive rigid fittings that may extend axially outwardlyvfrom said band, said bushings each having. a radially-outwardlyvextending flange of larger diameter thans'aid' axial' openings throughsaid band', the` diameter ofthe remainder of said bushings beingslightly smaller than said axial, openings;l a rod of strong metalextending through said axial openings and passage; means in said bodyfor moving said rod forward axiallyy and for holding it in its' advancedposition between advancing strokes, the bushing at the end' said rodmoves toward being secured to= said! band with the 'ange inside saidband and' the .rest of said v bushingprojecting outwardly through saidaxial opening, the bushing at the opposite end also projectingoutwardly'y wit-h its flange resting on and securedy tothe outside ofsaid, band; andan attachment for spreading objects apart or compressing,them together, said attachment comprisingy two` strong metal bars; onesaid bar beinga. flat substantially straight piece, with an openingtherethrough; adapted to receive said jack rod, for frictionalengagement therewith upon the application of force to its outer en d;the second said bar comprising a` central portion substantially thelength of said band and adapted to rest thereon, with an armperpendicular thereto at each end, one saidj arm having an openingtherethrough adaptedto fit over the body of one of said bushings, theother arm extending in the opposite direction from the first said arm atthe other end of said central portion and extending substantially thesame radial distance from the axis as the first said bar.

11. A jack, including in combination: a body made from lightweight metaland having an axial passage extending therethrough; a closed band ofstrong metal surrounding said body and keyed thereto adjacent its axialextremities, said band having axial openings therethrough in line withsaid axial passage; a rod of strong metal extending through said axialopenings and passage; means in said body for moving said rod forwardaxially and for holding it in its advanced position between advancingstrokes, said band having an annular protuberance around the axialopening at the end where said jack rod moves inwardly toward said body;a metal member having a central portion substantially the length of saidband with an arm perpendicular thereto at each end, said arms extendingin opposite directions, one of said arms having an opening therethroughadapted to lit said protuberance; and a matching substantially flat barhaving an opening to receive said jack rod for frictional engagementtherewith when force is applied to the outer end of said flat bar, saidbar extending out parallel to the outwardly extending arm of said metalmember and for substantially the same radial distance, said flat barbeing applied to said rod on the opposite end of said body from saidprotuberance when used with said outwardly extending member forspreading objects apart, and said flat bar being located on the sameside as said protuberance when it and said outwardly extending memberare used for pushing objects axially toward each other.

12. A jack, including in combination: a body having an axial passageextending therethrough between axial openings at each end, said bodyhaving a protruding annular boss around one of said openings; a rodextending through said axial openings and passage; means in said bodyfor moving said rod forward axially and for holding it in its advancedposition between advancing strokes; and means for spreading objectsapart or compressing them together, said means comprising two strongmetal bars; one said bar being a at substantially straight piece with anopening therethrough adapted to receive said jack rod, for frictionalengagement therewith upon the application of force to its outer end; thesecond said bar comprising a central portion substantially the length ofsaid body and adapted to rest there-V on, with an arm perpendicularthereto at each end, one said arm having an opening therethrough adaptedto tit over said annular boss, the other arm extending in the oppositedirection from the iirst said arm at the other end of said centralportion and extending substantially the same radial distance from theaxis as the iirst said bar.

13. A jack, including in combination: a body having an axial passageextending therethrough between axial openings at each end; a rodextending through said axial openings and passage; means in said bodyfor moving said rod forward axially and for holding it in its advancedposition between advancing strokes; said body having an annularprotuberance around the axial opening at the end where said jack rodmoves inwardly toward said body; a metal member having a central portionsubstantially the length of said body with an arm perpendicular theretoat each end, said arms extending in opposite directions, one of saidarms having an opening therethrough adapted to t said protuberance; anda matching substantially flat bar having an opening to receive said jackrod for frictional engagement therewith when force is applied to theouter end of said at bar, said bar extending out parallel to theoutwardly extending arm of said metal member and for substantially thesame radial distance, said tlat bar being applied to said rod on theopposite end of said body from said protuberance when used with saidoutwardly extending member for spreading objects apart, and said at barbeing located on the same side as said protuberance when it and saidoutwardly extending member are used for pushing objects axially towardeach other.

14. A jack, including in combination: a body made from lightweight metaland having an axial passage extending therethrough; a closed band ofstrong metal surrounding said body and keyed thereto adjacent its axialextremities, said band having axial openings therethrough in line withsaid axial passage; rst load-engaging means connected to said band andtransmitting its load-engaging pressure thereto, whereby said body isprotected therefrom; a rod of strong metal extending through said axialopenings and passage; second load-engaging means connected to said rodand transmitting its load-engaging force thereto; and means in said bodyfor moving said rod forward axially and for holding it in its advancedposition between advancing strokes, said means comprising a frictionclamp adapted to engage said rod, an operating member for tilting theclamp into gripping engagement with said rod, spring means for returningsaid clamp to normal untilted position, said spring means bearingbetween said clamp and said body, and a holding clamp engaging said bodyto retain said jack rod in the position where it is moved; whereby saidband strengthens said body so that said jack can be light in weight andstill withstand far higher pressures than a body, constructed solely ofsaid lightweight metal and without said band, could withstand.

l5. A jack, including in combination: an aluminum body having an axialpassage extending therethrough; a closed steel band surrounding saidbody and keyed thereto adjacent its axial extremities, said band havingaxial openings therethrough; iirst load-engaging means connected to saidband and transmitting its load-engaging force thereto; a steel rod ofstrong metal extending through said axial openings and passage; secondloadengaging means connected to said rod and transmitting itsload-engaging force thereto; and means in said body for moving said rodforward axially and for holding it in its advanced position betweenadvancing strokes, said means including clamp means adapted to engagesaid rod, means for moving said clamp means in one direction, springmeans bearing on said body and opposing said movement, means forreleasing said clamp means, and spring pressed holding means bearing onsaid body and engaging said rod when said clamp means is released; saidaluminum body being enabled to withstand large pressures transmitted toit by said rod-moving means by virtue of being surrounded by andsupported by said closed steel band.

16. The jack of claim 15 in which said rst load-engaging means comprisesa rst strong metal bar with a central portion substantially the lengthof said band and adapted to rest thereon, with arms perpendicularthereto at each end but extending in opposite directions, one said armhaving an opening therethrough substantially larger in diameter thansaid rod so that said rod can move freely therethrough; a projection onsaid band co-axial with said rod and adapted to iit into said armopening and aid in supporting said first bar; said second load-engagingmeans comprising a second strong metal bar, being substantially straightwith an opening therethrough adapted to receive said jack rod and toengage said rod when said second bar is slightly inclined thereto, saidtwo bars being thereby adapted for spreading objects apart or movingthem together.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,222,910 Lucker Nov. 26, 1940 2,242,431 Lucker May 20, 1941 2,305,238Coates Dec. 15, 1942 2,323,144 Long June 29, 1943 2,421,443 TorresenJune 3, 1947 2,463,966 Hauschile Mar. 8, 1949 2,464,620 Tinnerman Mar.15, 1949 2,534,857 Crewe Dec. 19, 1950

